According to Taiwan's DigiTimes, Google is preparing to reveal to the world its plans for its follow-up to the Nexus 7 tablet as early as May 2013. Coming along for the ride again will be Google's partner in the original Nexus 7, Asustek (Asus) Computer. Or so says the publication.
The price of the second generation Nexus 7 will allegedly, according to DigiTimes' sources, remain the same as its predecessor (between $199 and $249). Google is tacitly pleased with Asus' collaboration, as the DigiTimes' report goes on to note:
"The combined shipments of the company's first- and second-generation Nexus 7s are expected to reach 10 million units in 2013, according to sources from the upstream supply chain. Total Google Nexus 7 shipments will surpass six million units by the end of January."
Those looking to get their hot hands on the second-gen device can expect a similarly sized 7-in. with such changes from the first as: "a display with Full HD resolution and an industrial design with a thinner display boarder. The machine will also feature Google's upgraded Jelly Bean-based Android operating system to enhance integration between the software and the hardware."
In his relaying of the rumor, BGR's Zach Epstein went on to add that the second-gen Nexus 7 will also have a narrower bezel around its screen.
Further reporters/analysts sniffing up the cyber trail of facts, figures, speculations, and hearsay permit the notion that the logistics that have been laid out thus far are realistic and that all collected data up to now is in concert with Google's wanting to remain competitive with Apple's iPad/iPad Mini.
Whether or not the rumor will turn out to be malarkey or a true May Day treat is already being debated by users whose comments have range from utter delight to downright suspicion. And the Nexus 7 Forum reminds us all the DigiTimes has reported false rumors in the past, "sometimes miss[ing] the mark."
Time's "technologizer" Harry McCracken dedicated an entire article last May to the "hit-or-miss track record" of the Taiwanese tech publication that clearly has an itchy finger when it comes to relaying information.
McCracken warns that, "For years, Digi[T]imes has been a high-profile rumormonger when it comes to upcoming Apple products, usually crediting its gossip to the Asian component makers who supply Apple with bits and pieces of technology." The reporter even tells us (eight months ago) that DigiTimes used their current veil of "sources from the upstream supply chain" for where they're acquiring their intel.
Then again, what makes a rumor a rumor?
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